AI, Digital Trade To Help Malaysian SMEs Expand Globally -- Alibaba.com
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Collaboration between Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Alibaba.com is important in helping local businesses expand into global markets, particularly in the halal industry, by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital trade platforms.
Alibaba.com head of South and Southeast Asia Roger Luo said cooperation among the government, financial institutions and ecosystem partners could help more Malaysian products reach international buyers.
“Malaysia has a strong manufacturing capability, quality products and a globally competitive Halal industry, but many SMEs are still fighting to understand new markets and work with limited resources.
“This is why our cooperation in this matter is important. For the start, we can focus on export revenue, digital trade, adoption of AI and the international market exchange, especially for the Malaysian Halal businesses,” he said in his welcome remarks at the Alibaba.com B2B AI Seller Summit 2026 & CoCreate Pitch 2026.
Luo said Alibaba.com is introducing membership packages with guaranteed buyer opportunities to provide Malaysian exporters with greater confidence when they expand globally.
He said the initiative aims to connect sellers with high-potential and qualified buyers, including L3 Buyer (Platinum), who demonstrates stronger purchasing intent, higher purchasing value, and a track record of sourcing through Alibaba.com.
Meanwhile, Alibaba.com said in a statement that the company and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) have formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance digital trade and export readiness, including plans to develop a dedicated Halal Pavilion on Alibaba.com to showcase certified Malaysian halal products to international buyers.
The summit also marked Malaysia’s inaugural participation in CoCreate Pitch, Alibaba’s global product-based startup competition, which received more than 2,300 applications from micro, small and medium enterprises, startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and student innovators nationwide.
Ten teams advanced to the grand final, with the top three winners having the opportunity to attend the CoCreate Global Summit 2026 in London in November.
The top three winners are Lettuboost, represented by co-founder and chief operating officer Pavithran Julieus Sudhave, taking first place; Global Cerah, represented by founder and managing director Willie Ng; and Eartheories, represented by founder and chief executive officer Fadz Subari.
The competition offered a total prize pool of RM500,000 to support the finalists’ business growth.
The statement also said UOB Malaysia would support local SMEs through its financial expertise and regional network, complementing Alibaba.com’s digital commerce ecosystem to help businesses access financing solutions and expand their international reach.
-- BERNAMA